Thursday, July 21, 2016

Summer Squash Lasagna

Last Friday I decided to try a new recipe. I had a whole package of summer squash and a package of ricotta cheese that was going to go bad so I decided to combine them and make a summer squash lasagna.

I am determined to start eating more vegetables, exercising every day, and getting back to a point where I feel healthy and happy. Now I can't claim that this is a weight loss lasagna with all the cheese I put inside but it is chock full of vegetables and very filling.

I didn't use a recipe and I have to admit that I'm not really one to measure or get real exacting when I cook. Mostly I go by smell, sight and feel (since I cook often and always have).

I knew when I was making it that this was going to be sooo good I was going to want to share it with you so I did my best to take notice of what I was doing and mark down measurements and steps but don't worry about being exacting. It sure worked for me; just look at all those yummy layers!

Step 3: When vegetables are done set them aside to cool for a bit while you prepare the tomato mixture. In a large bowl combing diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, tomato paste, chopped bacon, 2 tsp. garlic and 2 tsp. basil. Mix until well combined.

To assemble: In a 13 x 9 pan spread 1 cup of sauce.

Then spread out 3-4 lasagna noodles over the bottom of the pan.

Top with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture

Then 1/2 of the squash mixture; top with 1 cup of pizza cheese. Repeat layers starting with sauce...

End with 3-4 lasagna noodles

Spread the rest of the sauce over the top; on this last layer I always try to make sure the lasagna noodles are completely covered to try and prevent them from drying out while cooking. I don't like crunchy noodles when I cook.

Finish if off with the rest of the shredded cheese and grated cheese. Sprinkle with the last 1/2 tsp. oregano if you wish. Yum! You can never have too much cheese on top as far as I'm concerned.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes until bubbly and cheese is lightly browned.

Let it cool slightly then slice, serve and enjoy! I just love all those layers of red, yellow and green with the oozing cheese!